HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C *Revised

This course is to introduce to you what HIV/AIDS is, how it is transmitted, facts about the virus’ life cycle and disease progression as well as mental health and counseling considerations.

Many significant changes have occurred in recent years in the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). We must understand these changes in order to better serve clients with HIV/AIDS. The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to exactly what HIV/AIDS is, how it is transmitted, facts about the virus’ life cycle and disease progression as well as mental health and counseling considerations. Also included is a fact sheet from Hepatitis Foundation International. This gives an overview to a disease that effects 3% of the world’s population, and includes information on how it’s contracted, prevention, treatment and treatment outcomes. Newly developed treatments are also discussed in light of bringing new hope to those with Hepatitis C.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Develop an understanding of what HIV/AIDS is, and how the epidemic has progressed.

Identify how HIV/AIDS is transmitted as well as how it is not.

Recognize the added complexities of mental illness and addiction in the HIV infected client.

Examine personal attitudes and their effect on the treatment process.

Gain a general understanding of the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), prevention and treatment.